Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who has served four terms in the House and is part of the House Freedom Caucus, was sworn in as Texas Attorney General on Thursday. He pledged to uphold the state’s legacy of freedom and security, drawing from his prior experience as a federal prosecutor.
Roy mentioned that his choice was inspired by a wish to return to state-level politics and continue advocating for his Texas community. “It was a privilege to serve Texas’s 21st Congressional District. It’s truly a special part of the greatest nation ever,” he said. However, he believes representatives shouldn’t be in office indefinitely. Observing the response to the recent severe hillside flooding confirmed his desire to leverage his congressional background and prosecutor experience for the benefit of Texas.
In his announcement, Roy criticized a certain adversary as a “radical Democrat” backed by George Soros, mentioning public policies on the border and labeling them as threats posed by foreign entities. He emphasized key issues like border security, support for law enforcement, electoral integrity, and protecting Texas lands from interests associated with the Chinese Communist Party. “I am running to safeguard our precious heritage of freedom. I run for God, for family, for our shared beliefs. I run for Texas,” Roy stated.
The race for Attorney General is open for the first time since 2014, with the current Attorney General, Ken Paxton, seeking a Senate seat against Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in the upcoming Republican primary. Other candidates include state Senators Middleton and Joan Huffman, as well as former Trump official and Paxton aide Aaron Wrights.
Throughout his congressional tenure, Roy was a member of several committees including Rules, Budget, and Judiciary. He chaired the Constitutional Subcommittee and served as Policy Director for the House Freedom Caucus. He sponsored legislation categorizing Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, aimed to block land purchases by the Chinese Communist Party, and advocated for the abolition of laws against face surveillance, which he claims are misused against supporters of life.
Roy’s career also features a role as staff director for the Senate Judiciary Committee during Ken Paxton’s time as assistant U.S. Attorney General, alongside work with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Senator Rick Perry, and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). His experience includes investment banking and serving as a senior advisor for the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
A graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Texas Law School, Roy lives in Dripping Springs with his wife and two children. His family has a rich tradition in Texas public service, including law enforcement and military roles that stretch back to the 19th century.
“Texas has a proud history of standing up to safeguard our homes, freedoms, and communities,” Roy said in a press release. “I am running for Attorney General to perpetuate that legacy. I’m ready to fight, ready to win, and determined to protect Texas at every opportunity.”
